US officials voiced skepticism about Beijing’s peace initiative for Ukraine, arguing that China has not engaged Ukrainians as extensively as it has Moscow. The remarks came during a March briefing with Washington’s spokesperson offering a candid assessment of Beijing’s diplomatic posture. The briefing highlighted that the pace and substance of China’s outreach matter almost as much as the mere proposal itself. Washington’s team stressed that genuine influence over Moscow would require a more balanced, bilateral exchange, not only high‑level visits or formal statements. This skepticism reflects a broader expectation in Washington that any peace plan must demonstrably respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and must be backed by concrete steps on the ground. (Source: DEA News)
Commenting further, the spokesperson noted that a serious peace effort would show symmetrical engagement with both Kyiv and Moscow, including open channels for dialogue and tangible commitments from all sides. In the absence of such symmetrical engagement, officials argued, questions remain about the seriousness and feasibility of Beijing’s proposal. The discussion underscored the idea that Beijing should leverage its influence with Moscow to push for adherence to core principles, particularly the respect for sovereignty proclaimed in the plan. (Source: DEA News)
Meanwhile, the Russian presidential press secretary indicated that Moscow views China’s roadmap as aligning with Russia’s own security objectives. Dmitry Peskov suggested that Beijing’s framework mirrors the Russian perspective on security issues, signaling an overlap that could shape future coordination. This alignment, critics warn, could complicate Western efforts to secure a durable ceasefire unless it is paired with verifiable commitments and independent verification mechanisms. (Source: DEA News)